ChickenCrossing.Org

loriwy wrote:

They said they didn't know how much time and area she would need. Good around cats,small dogs and children. Do you think she would learn to protect my poultry and not make a snack of them? I have 5 acres to roam,would that be enough? Or would I always have to track her down at the nearest sheep flock?  I really need a LGD in training as my Rollie dog is getting old. As they live in town I'd bet the only birds she's ever seen would be the robin types.  Please give me your opinions!

A FREE one? How lucky for you!!!

I have a GP puppy and I can't tell you enough what a smart pup he is. HE is probably THE smartest pup I have ever had. (He's cute too but, that's an aside.)

If you want the GP to protect your flock you have to intergrate them early on...as with any flock. That means, the pup has to live with the sheep (or whatever other flock members we are talking about...chickens included) and bond with them.

Indeed, BE one of them. That is THE only way it will learn to protect them.

(In the case of chickens...you might have to find a way to keep the GP close to them but not sleep WITH them. The GP *pup* will not attack or hurt them but it's just better that way since they are more fragile than say, sheep or goats. Maybe have a dog house by the coop or between coops...or in the runs? IDK?)

GPs will keep predators at bay in that they do not chase so much as stand their ground (at safe distance) and will not back down from aggressor...be it one or many. I've heard they will also keep birds of prey away too.

Obviously, I read a lot on GPs prior to get my pup...and I'd recommend this for you too. Just research the breed as much as you can...and you will do fine.

One thing to keep in mind though...IF you are going to train them to fend for your flock/s then you need to know that the way they keep nightly predators away is by...barking. They will bark from 7pm until 7am if given half the chance. This is how they let, coyotes and all other, nocturnal creatures know of their presence.

If, however, you plan on keeping the GP as an indoor pet...you can rest assured they will bark as much since they do not need too...lest they be awaken suddenly by some intrussion. They have a deep hound bark too...very cute.

I hope that helped?

Good luck-

Pedro

Last edited by paganfish (04-10-2009 07:11:55)

Hey Lori! I would say give it a shot, and slowly integrate her. Being so young, she can still learn "new tricks" so to speak! Just keep a close eye on her, and don't trust her right away (I'm sure you know that LOL) I think your main worry will be the ducks, as they're the only real "free range" birds you have, besides the guineas and geese. My danes won't even mess with my geese!!
If it doesn't work out, I'd say she can come live here, but IDK how I'll feed her till I get Tuff off of wet food LOL Although I'm sure that between the two of us we can think of some way to rehome her if need be...

IDK whether an 18 month old GP is too old to intergrate with your chooks? I'd hate to say "yes" and have something happen to your birds. I would give it a try but, maybe supervise them...then separate them while unsupervised.

-I was thinking tying the dog to a dog house inside the chicken coop run but, the image of ANY dog tied up just sounds so harsh to me...so I won't go there.

For the record...Pilikua (means Giant in Hawaiian) does not pay the chickens ANY mind. One of us is always out there with him so that might be why. I suppose if they get bored they might take chase...for chase's sakes. IDK? 

Lissi is right...there is a reason they're known as "Gentle Giants". Though they're big in mass and quite protective of their masters and their families...they are VERY gentle to those they consider kin. Totally wary of strangers.

My puppy, Pilikua, is showing signs of being protective towards us and the cats...THE CATS! I have never known a dog to be protective over cats. I guess WHO or WHAT ever they consider family - they will protect, unconditionally.

Here's a picture of him, thus far...he's only 4 months in those pictures.

http://www.chickencrossing.org/forum/vi … hp?id=6434 (Go to the bottom of the FIRST post on this thread to see his pictures.)

Still, I would give it a chance...they are very SMART and SWEET dogs. I think to get a free GP is indeed lucky! I had to pay 125.00 for my Pili. He's worth EVERY cent...and more. No doubt about it!

Pedro

Last edited by paganfish (04-11-2009 09:37:10)

!!!!!!!!!!OMG!!!! i have a dane, So beautiful. it said that in the olden days no castle was complete without them gaurding the front gate. but unfortuanatly they're as dumb as rocks. you would need to train for awile. He used to chash the chickens but has stopped. Not much of a herding dog though.

Well mine chase chickens and are eating eggs.  lol  But they are three and 1/2 months old.  I saw an 11 month old someone was getting rid of free as it was chasing their peacocks and poultry.

I think its a matter of training.  Make sure when around the birds, you have her on a leash to see how she reacts.  Reward heavily when she ignores them.  Mine ARE learning but are just babies.  I think they can learn to guard poultry, they have natural guarding instincts, or they should.  They have to know that the chickens/birds are YOURS and should also be protected.  I would NOT let her off leash when around the birds til you know how she responds to them, and even then she may react different when your around than when you are not.
Mine are lovely but sure do keep me run ragged.
Good luck, cant emphasize enuff how smart they are!  Mine are beginning to outwit me i think...lol